The idea of a youth-run community radio station in Coffs Harbour came from Captain John Townsend, a member of the Salvation Army. Townsend realised the success this concept could be. After donations from businesses from across Coffs Harbour, the station launched on December 1, 1973.[1] Since 1973, more than 4000 young people from the Coffs Harbour region have been through CHY FM. The station celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2013.